Heloise: Find right bra size

Dear Ladies: Are you wearing the right bra size? Did you know a majority of women aren’t? Here are instructions to find your correct size:

For the band size, measure snugly around your rib cage, just under your bust. Take this number and add 5 — this is your band size. (If the number is odd, add 1 so you have an even number.)

For the cup size, while wearing the bra you wear the most, measure the fullest part of your bust. Take this measurement and compare it with the band-size measurement. If the number is 1 inch more than the band size, you are an “A” cup. If it is 2 inches more, you are a “B” cup, 3 inches is a “C” cup and so on.

The fit of a bra can vary greatly between manufacturers, so always remember to try on a new bra before you purchase it. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I love reading your hints in the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald! Here is my hint: We travel a lot for sporting events, and to try to save money, we often pack our own food. The best idea I found was to freeze a loaf of bread before you travel, and it will “travel” nicely without getting smashed. Thanks for all the hints! — Ashley in Omaha, Neb.

Dear Readers: Springtime may mean a trip to the beach or lake! What are some important items to pack when you head out? Take a variety of cups, utensils and bowls in many shapes and sizes to use when building a sandcastle.

Save up margarine tubs, potato-chip canisters and other small, lidded containers. These work well to hold shells.

A bag for minor emergencies is good, too. Meat tenderizer can help with a jellyfish or bee sting. Pack plenty of sunscreen, adhesive strips and first-aid cream as well, and lots of drinking water, too. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Does owning a smartphone with an annoying ringtone wear on your ears? To quickly silence a ringing smartphone, try pressing any key on the side of the device. This won’t answer or decline the call; it simply shuts off the ringtone. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.